Rovos Rail: Southern Cross Adventure

Fly overnight to Johannesburg

(N)

Meal basis:

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Johannesburg • Pretoria

Early morning arrival in Johannesburg. Afternoon tour of Constitution Hill and the downtown area for an insight into South Africa’s turbulent history and the bustling district of Braamfontein. Cross the Nelson Mandela Bridge and enjoy a spectacular view of Johannesburg’s skyline. Then transfer to Pretoria for an overnight stay at the charming 131 on Herbert Baker hotel (or similar). (N)

Pretoria

Check in at Rovos Rail Station for an 11-night journey through some of Africa’s most picturesque landscapes. (B, D)

Panorama Route

Full-day panoramic tour of Pilgrim’s Rest, a once thriving gold rush town; Bourke’s Luck Potholes, strange cylindrical cavities formed by erosion; and Graskop, which offers sweeping views of the Lowveld. Rejoin the train in Nelspruit and continue on to Malelane. (B, D)

Kruger National Park

Full-day wildlife drive in Kruger National Park, home to the ‘Big Five’ as well as cheetahs, hippos and wild dogs. In the evening, depart for Mozambique. (B, D)

Maputo

Wake up in Mozambique and take a tour of the colourful capital city of Maputo, an architectural blend of African and Portuguese colonial traditions. Return to the train for afternoon tea and head for Mpaka in Eswatini (Swaziland). (B, L, D)

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Wake up in Mozambique and take a tour of the colourful capital city of Maputo, an architectural blend of African and Portuguese colonial traditions. Return to the train for afternoon tea and head for Mpaka in Eswatini (Swaziland). (B, L, D)

Kapama Game Reserve

Morning wildlife drive in Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa, followed by a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. The centre focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered animals, particularly cheetahs. Return to the train for lunch as it departs for Tzaneen, with an overnight stop at Louis Trichardt. (B, L, D)

On board the train

A day on board the train as you travel north to Zimbabwe. (B, L, D)

Great Zimbabwe Monument

Upon arrival in Oreti, drive to the Great Zimbabwe Monument, a Unesco world heritage site. This is the largest ancient man-made structure south of the Egyptian pyramids. (B, L, D)

Antelope Park

Full day at Antelope Park, home to the ALERT lion conservation program. Optional extras include canoeing, wildlife drives, horseback wildlife viewing and a birdwatching cruise. Return to the train and depart for Bulawayo. (B, D)

Matobo/Matopos National Park

Full-day tour of Matobo/Matopos National Park with its dramatic hills and rock formations. Visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes as well as Bushmen caves hidden among the hills. Continue on to Kennedy. (B, L, D)

Hwange National Park

Full day of game drives in Hwange National Park, the largest wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe and known for its prolific elephant, lion and wild dog populations. (B, L, D)

Victoria Falls

Disembark at Victoria Falls station then take a walking tour of the falls. In the evening join a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river. Stay 2 nights at the landmark Victoria Falls Hotel. (B)

Victoria Falls

Day at leisure. Optional activities include a scenic helicopter flight over the falls. (B)

Fly home via Johannesburg

Transfer to the airport and fly home via Johannesburg. Arrive the next day. (B) (N)

Fly home via Johannesburg

(N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.